Ghana NCA: 5G Spectrum Licensing Update Sees MTN Secure 700 MHz

• On September 11, 2026, the National Communications Authority (NCA) advanced its 5G spectrum licensing process for the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz bands.
• Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) successfully acquired two lots in the 700 MHz band for a total Licence Fee of US$100.9 million, being the sole qualified applicant.
• The 2.3 GHz band is under-subscribed with four of five lots applied for, while the 3 GHz band is over-subscribed with four applications for three available lots.
• The NCA will announce final outcomes for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands after completing remaining licensing steps, following the Request for Applications (RFA) guidelines.
• This update significantly shapes the competitive landscape for mobile broadband services, including 5G, in Ghana.

Lawyers advising telecommunications clients in Ghana should take note of this concluded licensing and its immediate impact on market dynamics.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana recently announced a significant advancement in its ongoing process to assign crucial spectrum bands for the deployment of mobile broadband services, including next-generation 5G technology. On September 11, 2026, the Authority moved to the next phase of this initiative, which involves the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz frequency bands. This development marks a pivotal moment for the future of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

During a key event held at the NCA Tower on the specified date, the regulatory body proceeded with the opening and subsequent ranking of Best Price Offers submitted by various qualified applicants. Representatives from these applicants were present to observe this critical stage of the licensing process. The outcomes of this bid opening have provided a clear picture of the current status for each of the targeted spectrum bands.

Notably, the process for the 700 MHz band has reached its conclusion. Scancom Plc, operating as MTN Ghana, emerged as the sole qualified applicant for this particular band. Consequently, MTN Ghana was declared the successful bidder, securing two lots, which represents the maximum allocation permissible for a single applicant under the Request for Applications (RFA) guidelines. This acquisition comes with a substantial total Licence Fee of US$100.9 million.

While the 700 MHz band's allocation is finalized, the licensing procedures for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands are still underway, presenting different scenarios based on applicant interest. For the 2.3 GHz band, the NCA reported that four out of the five available lots received applications. This indicates that the band is currently under-subscribed, meaning there is still capacity remaining. The next steps for this band will proceed in strict accordance with the established RFA guidelines.

Conversely, the 3 GHz band experienced a different dynamic, with demand outstripping the available supply. Four lots were applied for, despite only three being available for allocation. This over-subscription scenario means that the NCA will also follow the procedures outlined in the RFA to determine the successful applicants for this highly sought-after spectrum. The Authority has indicated that it will issue separate notifications to successful applicants in both the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands once all remaining steps in the licensing process are completed.

The National Communications Authority Ghana is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair process as it navigates these varying levels of interest. The final Ghana 5G spectrum auction results for these bands are anticipated to be announced after the comprehensive evaluation and selection phases are concluded, shaping the competitive landscape for Ghana mobile broadband spectrum.

The successful acquisition of the 700 MHz spectrum by Scancom Plc MTN Ghana significantly strengthens its position in the Ghanaian telecommunications market, particularly as the nation prepares for widespread 5G deployment. This strategic allocation provides MTN Ghana with a foundational block for delivering advanced mobile broadband services, potentially giving it an early mover advantage in certain aspects of 5G rollout. Lawyers advising telecommunications clients in Ghana should take note of this concluded licensing and its immediate impact on market dynamics.

For legal professionals, the ongoing processes for the Ghana 2.3 GHz 3 GHz spectrum bands highlight the continued regulatory activity and the need to monitor the finalization of these licenses. The varying subscription levels for these bands underscore the competitive nature of the market and the strategic importance of spectrum access. The NCA's adherence to the RFA ensures a structured approach, but the outcomes will undoubtedly influence future investment and service offerings across the industry.

This Ghana NCA 5G spectrum licensing update is crucial for understanding the evolving regulatory environment and the competitive landscape for mobile broadband services in the country. The final decisions regarding the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands will complete the picture of this significant spectrum assignment, impacting all players in the Ghanaian telecom sector.

Lawyers advising telecommunications clients in Ghana should note MTN Ghana's successful acquisition of 700 MHz 5G spectrum and prepare for the finalization of licensing for 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands, which will shape the competitive landscape for mobile broadband services.

Source: Original reporting via National Communications Authority Ghana